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Ed Sheeran Debut Hits Half-Million Sales Mark

The Brit's 2012 album, "+," features radio hit "The A Team."

Ed Sheeran, arguably one of the biggest breakout stars of the past year, sees his debut release,+, cruise past the 500,000 sales mark this week, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

The album, which debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 exactly 40 weeks ago, sold another 16,000 copies this week (up 85%), rising 51-24 on the chart. Its large gain was caused by sale pricing at Amazon MP3, which marked down the title to $1.99 for one day, March 15.

It has already been certified gold by trade organization RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America).

The album's single "The A Team" was first a hit on the Triple A radio chart in April of 2012, eventually rising to a No. 3 peak in July. By September, the song had crossed over to top 40 radio, debuting at No. 37 on Mainstream Top 40 on Sept. 15. It slowly climbed its way to a No. 9 peak in January and February earlier this year. Its top 10 ranking at top 40 conveniently coincided with Sheeran's exposure on the Feb. 10 Grammy Awards, where the British singer was nominated and performed on the show.